A MANHUNT has been launched after a woman was sexually assaulted in a city centre park. 

A man grabbed a 19-year-old woman as she walked through Hoglands Park at around 1.30am today.

The 'Asian or Arabic' man then fled the scene on foot, say police. 

He has been described as around 5ft 6ins tall, of average build, with short black hair, and has a moustache.

The man, who was unknown to the woman, was wearing a distinctive patterned yellow jacket.

Detective Inspector Joanne Beresford said: “This incident was understandably very distressing for the young woman involved, and we know that this will also cause additional concern for the wider community who use these public spaces in the city.

“We are investigating this incident thoroughly, scoping CCTV footage from the area, and are closely supporting the victim.

“These enquiries will continue over the course of the weekend, and you can also expect to see uniformed officers out on patrol in this area, particularly late in the evening. If you have any concerns at all while you are out in the area, please do not hesitate to approach them.

“We have a distinctive description of the man who carried out this attack, and would encourage anyone who saw a man matching this description or perhaps had any interactions with him that night to please get in touch with police.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 101, quoting crime reference number 44230097892.

Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.